Academy Award Appetites: What the Oscar Nominees Do (and Don't) Eat

You've seen them get into character on screen. Now it's time to learn what this year's crop of Academy Award-nominated stars have spent the last year (or more) eating. Whether it was for a role or as part of their typical diets, we're taking a look at how Hollywood's A-listers approach their menus.

Red Carpet Ready

Red Carpet Ready

If you take a look at this year's class of Oscar-nominated actors and actresses, the first thought that comes to mind may be that they've all been on quite the diet roller coaster lately. Some severely limited their calories (like Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club), while others put on a bit of weight (like Christian Bale for American Hustle), and others just stuck to the foods they enjoy — no part required.

Here we give you the scoop on what the stars were craving and eating (or not eating) leading up to this year's red carpet event.

Christian Bale: From Fighter to Eater

Christian Bale: From Fighter to Eater

Christian Bale trimmed down for 2010’s The Fighter, but his body needed a bit more padding for 2013's American Hustle. The Best Actor nominee packed on more than 40 pounds to play the paunchy, comb over-wearing Irving Rosenfeld.

Bale told People it wasn't hard to begin his binge: "I ate lots of doughnuts, a whole lot of cheeseburgers and whatever I could get my hands on. I literally ate everything that came my way."

Eventually that gorge fest took its toll. After two months, Bale said his body started to rebel. "It's just saying, 'No, please!'" Ultimately the actor went from 185 pounds to 228, and he told People, "I'm still working it off." But we're pretty sure he'll be at his fighting weight for the big ceremony.